Golden Corral Buffet & Grill — Restaurant in Bradenton

First time here we are visiting for the winter. Variety of different foods to choose from. Pretty much typical foods, a hot meat section that had prime rib, turkey, steak, salad area, deserts and they had a soft serve ice cream machine.

For us the food was just ok, I found the prime rib fatty and chewy, steak was hit and miss 1st piece was great then 2nds chewy did not enjoy either much also guy behind hot area was missing alot even when sitting i would look over to see ppl looking around for service.

Another staff situation as we first sat down after getting a plate i noticed our drink order was short (you order at cash pay 1st) and i seen a waitress walking our way and i waved to her she seen me looked the other way and walked away and i looked at my wife stunned. I found out she wasnt serving at our area she was in the front inclosed area but she couldnt acknowledge me anyway ? and at least direct our waitress over ??

When i got up for 2nds all the sudden the place was packed ppl going both ways in line and also ppl lining up in a certain areas inside the line, it seemed like an older crowd and I had ppl step right in front of me as i was in a line, it was kaos.

I joked to my wife and said wow what happened did a tour bus pull up and guess what it had.

So my 2nd round was limited to what i could get to, waited in line for potatoes for some time then just sat down frustrated. I was wondering if it was like this all the time but when leaving we did see a bus parked.

Not a great experience.. if the food was better i could have tolerated it a bit more. We did find the buffet cleared after the 50 ppl from the bus were seated but by that time we had enough.

All this adds up to we...

Completely a horrible experience. . We went tonight for the prime rib my husband has been craving. We arrived at 630 pm it's almost 9pm now and still haven't been able to get a piece of prime rib that isn't completely dried out and we'll done. When we first arrived we were told they didn't have any left, then unbelieving we waited awhile longer. Went back up and asked again, and he was told in about 15 to 20 minutes they would have one that's rare. Went back after 25 minutes and they said another 10 to 15 minutes. Went back up again and it was so over cooked it was dry. During that wait the manager came around asking how was everything? We told her and she gave us 2.00 and apologized and told us if we wanted to wait it would be another 45 minutes, they just put another in. We waited another 45 minutes and this one again was so well done it was dry. We asked if they could give us some of the stuff that was cooking so it would be rare but we're told once again that after 45 minutes it would be rare (curious that if the first 2 were well Done after 45 minutes, how would this one be rare, or maybe even just with some pink and not dried out) ??? I'm handicapped and really didn't appreciate having to sit there for hours to get what we came for, and then not to be able to get what I needed to get done because I had to sit there all night. It's really sad that the restaurant couldn't tell you that first ...they didn't have any prime rib available for at least 20 minutes. ..2nd...that they weren't going to make any that most people would eat. All because they wanted to take your money. I know if they told me that when I got here I could've...

Thumbs up 👍🏻 1/6/25 I have upped my review of this establishment. I have now been here many times and have discovered what I love most about this place is the huge spectrum of people that come here to dine. I especially enjoy when it’s a major feeding event like Thanksgiving or Veterans Day when they feed Veterans for free. The place is so crowded that often the line is 30 minutes out the door and the camaraderie you can develop talking while in line with strangers is amazing, often you are seated at the same table with them during these events and you really get to know folks, it’s wonderful! So the other thing I have noticed is that the staff is really friendly and go out of their way to be attentive to your needs. There is a sincere happiness I’ve noticed there it’s evident in the staff. This manager is doing something right that’s for sure. Enjoyed our feast last night and topped it all off with a fresh cup of hot decaf and a slice of carrot cake.

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2019 review Okay so it’s not anywhere near fine dining but if you’re looking for an affordable place to bring a bunch of kids on the cheap consider the Golden Coral. Their buffet style food is packed with options that even the pickiest kid is sure to find a favorite. Check their website before you visit as there are online specials that will help you feed your minions for as low as 2.99 depending on age. My favorite? The fried chicken, fried okra, and...